Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
Meeting Minutes of Special and Regular Meetings of May 10, 2022 City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California
STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 6:30 pm
ATTENDED BY: Councilmembers Stone, Hurt (virtual participants) Lieberman, McCune, Mates (in person)
STUDY SESSION
Business License Tax Modernization & Transient Occupancy Tax Update Housing and Economic Development Manager Rose provided an update on the proposed rates and fiscal impacts of the Business License Tax (BLT) Modernization and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). She explained that the efforts to modernize the structure of the BLT commenced in November of 2020 and staff is seeking final Council direction ahead of an ordinance and ballot measure. She outlined key principles from business focus groups and noted the proposed tax rate categories and business types. She noted that the proposed tax structure would be equitable across all business types and would eliminate the flat rate.
Ms. Rose outlined estimated TOT tax revenues from a current 12% tax rate to 14%. She noted that the pandemic continues to play a role on recovery relating to the travel industry. She explained that an increase in TOT is forecasted to bring the City to its pre-pracademic levels. She explained that the tax is locally-controlled and all funds generated would be deposited into the City’s general fund for unrestricted general revenue purposes.
Council discussion ensued. Councilmembers Lieberman, McCune and Stone stated that they hold Belmont Business Licenses and noted that after conferring with the City Attorney Rennie it was determined that they are not required to be recused from the discussion.
Council concurred to support the tax modernization updates.
Mayor Mates opened the item for public comment no member of the public came forward.
Adjournment at this time being 7:00 pm
Jozi Plut, CMC
City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER 7:00 pm
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Stone, Hurt (virtual participation), Lieberman, McCune, Mates (in person)
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Mates
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No closed session on agenda.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation Mayor Mates read the proclamation and presented it to Wayne Lee, San Mateo County API Caucus.
Mr. Lee Thanked the Council for the recognition.
Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Mayor Mates read the proclamation and presented it to Julia Abramson, Jewish Community Relations Council.
Ms. Abramson thanked the Council for the recognition.
National Public Works Week Proclamation
Mayor Mates read the proclamation and presented it to Belmont Public Works Director Peter Brown.
Mr. Brown thanked the Council for the recognition and recognized the Belmont Public Works Department Staff and invited the public
Teacher Appreciation Week Proclamation
Mayor Mates read the proclamation and presented it to Nesbit Elementary School Eight Grade Teacher Chandra McKeon.
Ms. McKeon thanked the Council for the recognition.
National Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Belmont Police Officer Clyde Hussey thanked the Council for recognizing the Belmont Police Department efforts on mental health awareness.
RECESS: 7:20n
RECONVENE 7:25 pm
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Giuliano Carlini commented on providing right of way to cyclists on Belmont roads. He thanked Public Works staff for responding to his requests.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
Mike Schrader, commented on the closure of the Sutter Health swimming pool.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Mates announced the upcoming Public Works Open House event.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Approved Minutes of 11-23-2021 Special and Regular Meetings,12-13-2021 Special Meeting, 12-14-2021 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
Resolution 2022-037 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., for root foaming of sanitary sewer lines for an amount not to exceed $73,000 Resolution 2022-038 authorizing the City Manager to negotiation and execute a Task Order with MNS Engineers, Inc. to provide construction inspection and constructability review services for the 815 Old County Road Sanitary Sewer Main Upgrade Project for an amount not to exceed $197,314
Resolution 2022-039 approving a Permanent Encroachment Agreement to allow building encroachment above the public storm drain easement at Firehouse Square Phase 2 Townhomes Development
Resolution 2022-040 approving final subdivision map, subdivision improvement agreement and maintenance agreement for the Firehouse Square Phase 2 Townhomes Development Resolution 2022-041 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Abe Matar (“Broker”) for real estate broker services for marketing and sale of three City-owned housing properties, and approving a budget appropriation of $90,000 for commission fees and necessary repair and maintenance work
Resolution 2022-042 Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Task Order With Pavement Engineering, Inc. To Provide Design, Potholing, Bid Support Services, Construction Support Services And As-Built Drawings For The 2023 Pavement Reconstruction Project For An Amount Not To Exceed $539,200
Email correspondence received on Consent Business items.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Stone and seconded by Councilmember McCune the consent agenda was unanimously approved by a roll call vote. (5-0)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
800-803 Belmont Avenue Residential Project
Adam Peterson City Contract Planner, MGroup, provided an overview of the project that will replace the existing Bel Mateo Motel . He noted that the project is consistent with the Belmont General Plan and Belmont Zoning Ordinance Development Standards. He noted that the 125-unit project is a 100% affordable low, very-low and extremely-low income residential dwelling. He described the entitlement requests and noted that the environmental documentation is consistent with CEQA requirements. He stated that the Belmont Planning Commission unanimously recommends certification of the EIR with statement of overriding Considerations and MMRP and approval of resolutions for the requested entitlements.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
Development Manager Jim Campbell, ROEM Builders, proved a presentation on the architectural design and development of the project. He noted that the project is a specific design for Belmont.
He outlined the project benefits including affordability, proximity to transportation and building and grounds sustainability.
Council Discussion ensued regarding elevation of the project and community outreach. Mr.
Campbell noted that traffic and parking was a main concern.
Mayor Mates opened the public hearing.
Public Comment provided by
Tana Hutchinson, Lisa Chan, Terry Kuan all commented on traffic and parking concerns.
Mary Morrisey Parden, Belmont Chamber of Commerce commented in support of the project.
Loring De Martini, commented in support of the project.
Girlie Keninger, commented on expectations of the community.
Email Correspondence received from
Judy And Warren McCarthy
Council discussion ensued. In response to Council questions Mr. Campbell stated that the application and selection will be standard and based on income level. He explained that on site resident parking will require registration.
Councilmember McCune stated concern regarding the elevation of the project. He explained that the state mandates are unavoidable. He noted that the three-bedroom unit size is concerning.
Councilmember Lieberman stated concern on the lack of guest parking and the size of units.
Council concurred that the project furthers the City’s housing goals and noted that the developer should demonstrate sensitivity to the immediate neighborhood regarding traffic and parking concerns.
In response to Council questions Mr. Peterson, City Contract Planner, MGroup, explained that the that the 26-foot width of surrounding streets will not allow for on street parking. He noted that there are requirements for on street parking at the project location and further explained that Belmont Avenue is a private street and is not a public right-of-way to allow for City improvements.
Planning and Community Development Director de Melo stated that the project will be constructed to the maximum width to extend Belmont Avenue to create two way traffic and sidewalk along the frontage of the property.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Hurt and Seconded by Councilmember Lieberman Resolution 2022-043 Adopting a Vesting Tentative Map (VTM) for the 800-803 Belmont Avenue Residential Project; Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 044-172-190 And 044-172-200 (Appl. No. 2020-0020)
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
Resolution 2022-044 Making all Findings Required Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Including a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in Accordance With the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the 800-803 Belmont Avenue Residential Project (Appl. No. 2020-0020) Resolution 2022-045 Approving A Conditional Use Permit, Design Review, Grading Plan, Tree Permit, Affordable Housing Plan, Density Bonus and Height Increase In Exchange for Specified Public Benefits Under Belmont Zoning Ordinance (BZO) Section 31.4.1(F), Subject To City Council Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map, to Allow For Construction of a 125-Unit Affordable Residential Project on Property Located at 800 – 803 Belmont Avenue; Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 044-172-190 And 044-172-200 (Appl. No. 2020-0020) were approved by a roll call vote (5-0)
RECESS: 8:42 pm
RECONVENE: 8:47 pm
At this time Councilmember Stone logged out of the meeting.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Ralston Corridor Improvement Project - Segment 3 Pavement Rehabilitation Assistant Public Works Director and City Engineer Barrilleaux provide an update on the project stating that the sidewalks along the corridor are completed including ADA improvements, pedestrian crossing enhancements, accessibility improvements and utility adjustments. He noted that the next steps including pavement work to begin in early summer. He noted that staff identified the need for a more robust treatment for the pavement from that first approved in 2019. He noted that staff recommends the cold in placement process and provided a description of the intended work.
Council discussion ensued.
In response to Council questions Mr. Barrilleaux explained that the proposed treatment would provide a much longer life span of the pavement than the standard slurry seal option.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Lieberman and Seconded by Councilmember McCune Resolution 2022-046 authorizing a budget appropriation of $350,000 in available Measure I funds to the Ralston Avenue Corridor Improvement Project Segment 3 #3223 (234-3- 730-3223-9030), 2) authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order Number 9 for $512,000 for the Ralston Corridor Improvements Project - Segment 3, City Contract Number 2020-589, and 3) authorizing the City Manager to execute a Task Order Amendment with MNS Engineers for additional Construction Management services not to exceed $300,000 was approved by a roll call vote (4-0 Stone Absent).
Establishing a City Historian
Parks and Recreation Director Shearer outlined the roles and responsibilities the proposed volunteer City Historian position. She noted that the appointment process could be either by Council or by application in the future. She stated that staff recommends that Denny Lawhern be posthumously appoint as the City’s first historian, she noted his work preserving the Belmont Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
history to be carried forward and established the Belmont Historical Society. She recommended appointing Karl Mittelstadt as the City’s second Historian, stating that his dedication and caring forward the Belmont Historical Society and the City’s legacy is evident in his years of service to the City.
She requested that the resolution title be amended to reflect Denny Lawhern as the first Historian and appointing Karl Millstadt as the second. She identified other edits including removing reference to Karl Mittelstadt as cofounder of the Belmont Historical Society, added in error.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember McCune and seconded by Councilmember Lieberman Resolution 2022-047 establishing a volunteer position of City Historian and posthumously appointing Denny Lawhern as Belmont’s first Historian and appointing Karl Mittelstadt to serve as the second City Historian for Belmont for a 3-year term was approved by a roll call vote as amended. (4-0 Stone absent)
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Councilmembers reported on their IGR assignments.
Assignments Verbal report from City Manager
City Manager Oskoui announced the collaboration with the Silicon Valley Convention Bureau for Peninsula restaurant week. He announced the upcoming Bike to school day event in collaboration with Carlmont School and City of San Carlos, Movies in the Park is expanding to other parks in the City and take the survey for movie suggestions and pickle ball reservations are required for court availability.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION (none)
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 9:12 pm, In Memory of Ivano Pellegrini, General Partner of the Carlmont Shopping Center. To the Belmont Community her was a supporter of small and large business, often assisted community members to establish and thrive in business with solid advice based upon his firsthand knowledge. Ivano was a friend and mentor to many, he contributed so much to the success and economically prosperous areas of Belmont.
Jozi Plut, CMC
City Clerk